BRENTFORD & ISLEWORTH MP Ann Keen is calling for residents in Hounslow to join her battle against a third runway at Heathrow.

The Labour Member of Parliament is currently working on her submission to the Department of Transport's consultation process on air transport expansion that closes at the end of June.

She commented: I want to compile as big a submission as possible. I have already put together the hundreds of letters I have received since the proposals were first published. Now I want to hear from all those against a third runway, so I can add their concerns to my submission.

I want to know how the current level of aircraft traffic affects you and how you feel a third runway would impact on your lives. I will be making my voice heard and those of my constituents against a third runway. The economic benefits do not and should not outweigh the environmental concerns and the quality of life of local residents.

I am working closely with the London Borough of Hounslow in their campaign Enough is Enough'. I have also been able to meet concerned residents both at a parliamentary lobby and at the HACAN rally.

This is a vitally important campaign and I want to make sure that the voices of all those in my constituency affected are heard in Westminster.''

Send your comments to Ann Keen MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA, and mark the envelope RW3'.

The MP's appeal comes in the same week British Airways put it's weight behind airport expansion at Heathrow, rejecting proposals for expansion at Stansted or a new airport in Cliffe in Kent.

In their submission to the Transport Secretary Alistair Darling, the airline claimed expansion at Heathrow and Gatwick were the only viable options, to cope with the rise in air travel over the next 30 years.

BA's director of government affairs claimed a new runway at Heathrow would contribute £37 billion to the economy. He added: We don't think Stansted could operate as a hub and we certainly don't think Cliffe couldA runway at Gatwick comes at number two, after Heathrow.''

New designs on a third runway at Heathrow submitted by the airline would spare a medieval church and tithe barn in the village of Harmondsworth.

John Stewart, chairman of HACAN ClearSkies dismissed BA as an airline with more than £5 billion in debts. He commented: BA is exhibiting all the desperation of a cornered animal.''

A march against the third runway is taking place on Saturday June 7th, starting at 11.30am on Harlington Green. It will follow the route of the proposed runway, ending with a rally in the village of Harmondsworth. Contact West London Friends of the Earth on 0208 357 8426 for more details.

May 30, 2003 12:00